The Christmas is for Kids program will get another boost this year.

Chuck Thaxton, Floyd EMS and Al Gosnell, coordinator of Toys for Tots, Northwest Georgia, are joining the effort to make the holiday season brighter for deserving children in the Rockmart-Aragon area. They are partnering with Chief Keith Sorrells and the Rockmart Police Department in the annual fundraising effort.

“I was once a Key Club member, and we collected toys and repaired a few bikes for children,” Sorrells said. “The looks on the faces of those kids will remain with me forever. It was a very rewarding experience.”

This is one of the reasons that Sorrells and other volunteers continue to give time and effort to the drive. If in doubt, ask anyone involved.

“No child should wake up on Christmas morning and find they have been forgotten,” said one volunteer. “That is something that should not be allowed to happen in such a caring community.”

Sorrells said the program provides new and unwrapped toys for children ages 2 to 12.

“If you plan to donate a toy,” he said, “remember there is often a void for older boys and girls, ages 9 to 12. They also enjoy getting a present for Christmas.”

He said there is a stringent application process and names are checked with other agencies to keep individuals from double dipping. Applicants are informed they can only apply for assistance from one agency.

People wishing to receive help through Christmas is for Kids can submit an application at the Rockmart Police Department from 8:30 to 5 daily until the Dec. 7 deadline.

Participants must have a photo identification and proof they live in Polk by bringing a current address such as a utility bill.

Toys will be collected and delivered to the police department by December 13.

Sorrells credits the success of the 2011 campaign to the generous giving and warm hearts of local people, including churches, civic clubs, individuals, business, industry and others.

“Last year, our largest contributor was Meggitt,” he said. “We urge everyone to remember that Christmas is truly for the kids.”

For more information about this program, call Chief Sorrells at 770-684-5454.